Context

As a university of applied sciences, our aim is to connect various perspectives to develop integrated and innovative solutions that are both creative and connective. The Research Centre Art & Society (RCAS) conducts research and develops new artistic practices in collaboration with various sectors in society. It conducts practice-based research into how artists, designers, musicians, and art educators can contribute to a more humane and sustainable world. This is achieved by collaborating closely with other sectors from within the arts.

The job

As senior researcher, you will develop and coordinate practice-based research projects at the intersection of art and research and develop biobased materials. You will conduct your own research in this field where natural materials and artistic practices intersect. You will be based in the research group Art & Sustainability, where you will collaborate with researchers working in this specific field and with other research groups in the Research Centre and the university as a whole.

You will:

• Develop projects (including writing funding proposals) under the supervision of the professor Art & Sustainability.
• Supervise students and teacher-researchers, primarily from the Design program and the Master’s program Materials in Artistic Practices (MAPs) at Minerva Art Academy.
• Manage and expand the existing network of organizations working in the arts and biobased materials field in the Northern Netherlands.
• Serve as a linking pin between the professors of the Research Centre Art & Society and the other Hanze University Research Centres and Centres of Expertise working on biobased materials.
• Serve as a 'linking pin' to external partners and research organizations (also internationally).

Where you'll work

The senior researcher in biobased materials and art is based at the Professorship Art & Sustainability but also represents all the professorships at the Research Centre Art & Society. In the coming years, the Professorship Art & Sustainability aims to focus more on the theme of biobased materials in relation to the arts, expanding its collaboration with the Research Centre for Biobased Economy. The Professorship's ambition is to give professional fields such as ecoart and bioart a more prominent place, drawing inspiration from the environmental humanities, specifically ecoaesthetics. Key terms are circular materials and processes, biomimicry, ecological design, and biodesign.

The research group views materials not merely as static objects or pieces of nature but as substances in the process of becoming as is emphasized by Tim Ingold. In this approach to (biobased) materials, sustainability is understood in the context of "soil, soul, and society,".

• A (nearly finished) Ph.D. from an (internationally) recognized university.
• Experience in practice-based research at the intersection of art and the interaction with biobased materials.
• Academic experience in the area of art and materiality.
• A relevant network.
• Experience in fundraising.
• An overview of your own activities in research and artistic practice, including publications in relevant areas.
• A background or practice in the arts (this is a plus).
• Contribute to the research community of the Research Centre Art&Society.
• The ability to contribute to the teaching at the university, particularly at the Minerva Art Academy, both in the Bachelor and Master programs.

In addition you have:

• Experience with conducting research independently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team of researchers and in an international research network.
• Recognise and pursue opportunities to develop new projects.
• Open-mindedness in employing different research methods.
• Effective management of multiple tasks and you are able to switch between them.
• A linking pin with an eye for other people, able to ensure commitments are met and proficient in situational communication.
• Comfortable in the world of visual arts and design.
• Enthusiastic.
• Fluent in English and Dutch or willing to learn Dutch at an adequate level within the first year of appointment.
• A eye for innovation in the field of art and music, and knowledge of contemporary art developments.

We offer

The opportunity to further develop your research and contribute to sustainability challenges in art and biobased materials. We offer an ambitious multidisciplinary research environment where you will collaborate with professors, researchers, teachers, and students from various disciplines. You will work in an environment with a large amount of flexibility and opportunity for your own input.

• We offer a 0.6 FTE contract, starting from as soon as possible.
• This is a permanent position, initially in the form of a one-year contract.
• Salary ranging from a minimum of €4,901 to a maximum of €6,698 gross per month for a full-time position (salary scale 12, in accordance with the collective labour agreement for universities of applied sciences).
• 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• Up to 53 days of leave per year, ‘sustainable employability hours’, and work-from-home facilities.
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences encourages continuous professional development, and our Hanze PL Academy facilitates and supports this.